Chinatown Square and the Convention Center, Chicago, Il. : a balanced design approach between outdoor spaces and indoor spaces in public buildings, a scheme for a convention center in Chinatown, Chicago, Il

This creative project for the Master of Architecture degree focuses on the building design and landscape design of a urban development, in particular on the mixed cultural basis of deteriorating inner city neighborhoods in the U.S. A.I have lived in America for over two years. During this time, I acquired substantial knowledge on environments and architecture from traveling and studying. Then, I found the characteristics of a mixed culture in this country. We all know that the Chinese people are an important group in America, and they work hard to establish and contribute to the American culture, economy, and environment, now and forever. Although Chinese Americans do not comprise a large portion of the U.S. population, the Chinese patterns of architecture have had some impact on American culture as a whole. However, Chinatown has become a major element in the fabric of many cities in the U.S.A., like Chicago, San Francisco, New York and Washington D.C. For this reason, I chose to explore the design of a new environment for Chinese immigrants in the U.S.A.The topics of this thesis work are the design of the convention center and the planning of Chinatown Square Project. I tried to apply concepts from the Chinese culture, my experience, and professional education in Taiwan, the Republic of China and America. Therefore, the site plan of Chinatown Square Project was designed according to the Chinese Courtyard System. The tower shape of the hotel of the convention center is the transition of the Pagoda. Moreover, the idea of the curved roof comes from the Chinese bowl and tile. Finally, I merged a western feel, and an eastern spirit in the whole design process.I dedicate this thesis to the community of Chinatown in Chicago and America.Department of ArchitectureThesis (M. Arch.